vpj420

Hello guys,
I've got what I consider a major dilemma. Do I purchase a 08' 40th Anniversary M/T RX8 or a '09 Sport M/T? Here are the stats for the two vehicles:

08':
$19,500
40th Anniversary
Leather
31K miles
Nearly Flawless Conditions Interior/Exterior
Only bad is spotty 1-Car Fax owner (I'm fixing on taking this to an independent collision/Mazda dealership) not much dealerships

09':
$20,100
19K
Cloth
Nearly Flawless Conditions Interior/Exterior
Good 1- owner CarFax

Which would you buy and why?

Spoolin8

iTrader: (2)

09, newer, less miles and only 500 cracker jacks more

Polish Person

Buy the 2009. It may lack some amenities, but it's a lot more reliable, and you have more warranty left. Granted, the aftermarket hasn't done much for the 2009 and up, like it has for the 2008 and older, but I'm sure it will come around eventually. Also, I prefer cloth and I had driving aids. The sport is perfect as far as I'm concerned.

monchie

09 with lesser miles, enough said.

Joe-the_tattoo_artist

Both.

Texas RX8 R3

2009, since it has less miles, cloth seats = more sporty, cooler tail lights, and most importantly... Because it's a Series II with all the many updates that supposedly help make it more reliable.

I must mention that the price should be lower than $20,100 on that 2009. If I'm not mistaken, you could get a brand new 2010 Sport for close to that price because of the ongoing rebates from Mazda (If new 2010 Sports are still out there, that is).

Polak Graphics

Both sound sweet. but i agree the 09 should be the primary choice. not to take anything away from the 08, but the 09 looks gorgeous, inside and out. Plus like you said, mileage is decent, and the price difference is not that much off. Its a win-win situation. very nice dilemma to have by the way lol.

vpj420

I've been getting headaches over this. I'm actually leaning towards the '08 because of the rarity and looks. I know of the reliability of the Series II, but something has me pulling for the '08. I drove it and was amazed. I had it at 70 mph in third gear with it pulling for more. I also had to redline it to hear that infamous little beep. This was also my first test drive of an RX8, which might have something to do with it. Everyone on this forum is correct, there is something special about the 8. I've driven a host of cars: 350/370Z, G35/37 coupe, and a 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS which was pretty awesome, but driving the RX8 was a different animal. Better view and feel in the 8, plus I truly felt connected to the car and road.

Polak Graphics

I am a fan of the Z's myself, never driven the Camaro, would like to, g35 is decent, but like you said there is that thing about the 8 that makes it different. The rotary is a thing of beauty lol. You wouldn't happen to have any pics would you? How much longer do you have to make the decision?

vpj420

No pictures yet because when I went to test drive it I was rushed because the wife and I had a previous engagement and were already late. My daughter took one with her camera phone, but it didn't really show the car all to good. Plus, the car has been in the detail shop to fix the small things. I'm planning on taking it for a more "extensive" test drive tomorrow. I don't have a time table as both cars are still readily available. Big thing is that I have the financing mess done through my credit union, so it's just a drive and sign thing. One question I have is: "Should the shifter shake a little bit while car is idling?" I don't mean shaking out of control, but a slight shake while the parking brake is engaged.

Polak Graphics

Um yea it will shake a little. Every rx8 will thump a little when you go from neutral to first if you dont massage it in. To me that is just the way the transmission is. It also might be a sign of premature bad motor mounds as long as the shake is not strong enough where the seats are vibrating too then you should be okay. And since you said its not really out of control then im assuming its cool.

vpj420

It looks like I'll be going for the '09. Found out yesterday that the insurance with Geico is around $70-80 less on the '09 than the '08, go figure. Really the '09 is a no brainer as many put it here. Meanwhile, I'm looking to see if I can score an '09 R3 for a good price.

Texas RX8 R3

Yeah, the shifter shaking/vibrating slightly during idle is normal... As long as it isn't out of control, lol.

Now that you mention of acquiring a pre-owned '09 R3... That could be tempting, for sure!

All the best.

vpj420

Actually, I found an velocity red '09 RX-8 Sport in my area with slightly less mileage and I got the dealer to give it to me at the same cost as the one in San Antonio (saved me around $100-200). I test drove it and it was awesome to say the least. Hoping to take delivery of it tomorrow and will post pictures. The only problem with it is it has the haze in the front headlights (inside not on the surface). I told the salesman to fix them, and he told me the detail shop would "do their best." I've seen here on the Series II forum that this is a common problem. The car does have a clean carfax and I took it to my cousin who owns a body shop and he confirmed no accidents. Other than that it is a better color than the gray one that was in SA. By the way, what is the best way to post pictures from a cell phone or camera. Don't know if I'll be limited in size by the website, first time I'll do this so don't flame. Thanks for all your help!